Hello NSC friends & family, The School of Nursing is solidly placed as a nationally accredited program, fully diversified with four tracks leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, and leading the profession with cutting-edge educational activities and programs. The nursing program has been nationally accredited by the Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education since 2005. Also fully approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing, the program has produced 700 nursing graduates, who have completed the national licensure exam and entered the healthcare community. The fastest growing track is the RN to BSN Track, which enrolls licensed, registered nurses who have associate degrees. Nursing courses prepare them for leadership and expanded roles, with additional course work in general education, professionalism, community health, leadership/management, and research. Three pre-licensure tracks build on prerequisite courses and include: (a) the Regular Track, which prepares students over four semesters, (b) the Part-Time Track, consisting of eight semesters or two and a half years, and (c) the Accelerated Track for second-degree students, progressing at a fast pace over 12 months. The variability in programs gives students options to meet their educational goals while accommodating different economic, personal and family needs. The nursing program is a “high tech—high-touch” program, centered around the concept of caring as the foundation of professional nursing practice. The curriculum includes multiple ways of knowing and experiencing the knowledge of nursing, ranging from empirical scientific information, to development of the self as a healing presence, consideration of ethical issues in practice, and study of the aesthetics or art of practice. Students’ tools include the latest technology and resources for learning: Neehr Perfect Electronic Health Record charting, Advanced Technologies Institute programs for successful preparation to pass the NCLEX licensure exam, evidence-based practice databases and e-books as library resources, and Nursing Central electronic resources for lab tests and drug information. Clinical experiences in a variety of hospital and community settings are supplemented by hightech simulations and skills lab courses at the Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas. Dedicated faculty are clinical experts who are also excellent teachers, and challenge students through a variety of innovative learning activities. Faculty engage in other activities that enrich the learning environment and support nursing graduates. The Dr. Joel and Carol Bower School-Based Health Center is directed and staffed by nursing faculty. A Medical Spanish Immersion course in Guadalajara, Mexico, introduced nursing graduates to the Spanish language and culture during the summer of 2012. The Nurse Residency Program, in conjunction with Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, promotes retention of new graduates who are hired by the hospital and exposed to enriching informational and support activities. Mental Health faculty have taken the “Hearing Voices” experience out to the community to educate police officers about special needs of psychiatric patients. Faculty are also active in community and professional organizations, such as Sigma Theta Tau International, the nursing honorary society. School of Nursing faculty are proud of the students and graduates of the nursing program, and salute them during our tenth year at NSC. These nurses are working in healthcare agencies throughout the valley, becoming advanced practitioners and community leaders, and improving the lives of Nevada citizens. These graduates demonstrate the excellence of the School of Nursing.
Sherrilyn Coffman, PhD, RN Interim Dean, School of Nursing
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